Jujuy Legislature debates 5% gender quota for construction workers

The Labor and Social Security Commission of the Jujuy Legislature is reviewing a bill to establish a 5% gender quota for women in both public and private construction projects. The initiative, promoted by the UOCRA union, aims to provide a legal framework for the increasing presence of women in the sector, including roles such as machine operators and drivers.

During legislative discussions, provincial Labor Secretary Fredy Berdeja and UOCRA leader Ramón Neyra highlighted the importance of training. Currently, approximately 180 women are participating in vocational training for trades such as welding, maintenance, and general construction. The project seeks to ensure these women have concrete opportunities for labor insertion as the industry evolves.

Neyra noted that while the construction sector faces challenges, including approximately 2,000 unemployed workers in the province and reduced purchasing power, the quota would prepare the workforce for future job recovery. The commission plans to consult further with stakeholders, such as the Chamber of Construction, before advancing the bill.